The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has backed calls for a crackdown on unsafe overseas lorries and drivers operating in the UK.
According to a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this week, more must be done to enforce regulation and remove dangerous foreign vehicles from the roads.
The FTA said the committee was "quite right" to be concerned about the number of overseas trucks in Britain, and their poor safety and compliance records.
According to the group, many foreign lorries also fill their tanks outside the UK to make the most of lower fuel duty, putting domestic hauliers at a disadvantage.
"Overseas operators effectively drive on the UK's roads for free, as they contribute nothing to Treasury coffers while the British taxpayer picks up the tab for the damage they cause," said Jo Tanner of the FTA.
She added that the PAC report was not the first to highlight inadequate taxation and regulation of overseas vehicles, stressing that immediate action is needed to tackle the problem.
The findings of the report were also backed by fellow industry group the Road Haulage Association, claiming foreign operators have had "a free ride" for too long.
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